As far back as 1955, Hubbard recognized the value of famous people
to his fledgling, off-beat church when he inaugurated "Project
Celebrity." According to Hubbard, Scientologists should target
prominent individuals as their "quarry" and bring them back like
trophies for Scientology.

Today, the church's most famous celebrity is actor John Travolta,
who credits Hubbard's teachings with giving him confidence and
direction.

"All I've had are benefits," said Travolta, a church member since
1975.

Another Scientology celebrity is actress Kirstie Alley, co-star of
the television series "Cheers." Last year, Alley and Travolta teamed
up in the blockbuster comedy film, "Look Who's Talking."

Alley is international spokeswoman for the Scientology movement's
controversial new drug and alcohol treatment center in Chilocco,
Okla., which employs a rehabilitation regimen created years ago by
Hubbard.

A former cocaine abuser, Alley has said she discovered Hubbard's
Narconon program in 1979 and that it "salvaged my life and began my
acting career."

Alley also has become active in disseminating a new 47-page booklet
on ways to preserve the environment. The booklet, entitled "Cry Out,"
was named after a Hubbard song and was produced by Author Services
Inc., his literary agency. Author Services is controlled by
influential Scientologists.

In April, Alley provided nationwide exposure for the illustrated
booklet -- which mentions Hubbard but not Scientology -- when she
unveiled it on the popular Arsenio Hall Show. Since then, it has been
distributed to prominent environmental groups throughout the U.S.

After the 1988 Summer Games in Seoul, Lakes appeared on the cover
of Celebrity magazine, a Scientology publication that promotes church
celebrities. In an interview with the magazine, Lakes credited
Dianetics for his success and strength.

"I am by far the healthiest person on the team," he said. "They
(other team members) are actually resentful of me because I don't have
to train as long as they do."

Celebrities are considered so important to the movement's expansion
that the church created a special office to guide their careers and
ensure their "correct utilization" for Scientology.

The church has a special branch that ministers to prominent
individuals, providing them with first-class treatment. Its
headquarters, called Celebrity Centre International, is housed in a
magnificent old turreted mansion on Franklin Avenue, overlooking the
Hollywood Freeway.

In 1988, the movement tried to associate itself with a
non-Scientology celebrity, race driver Mario Andretti, by sponsoring
his car in the GTE World Challenge of Tampa, Fla. But the plan
backfired.

When Andretti saw seven Dianetics logo decals stripped across his
Porsche, he demanded that they be removed.

"It's not something I believe in, so I don't want to make it appear
like I'm endorsing it," he was quoted as saying.